Thank you christiki for your time line, even if it is not complete (which, I admit, would be daunting exercise). And allow me to briefly correct the sequence of the first two dates, because Bosko won the Taboo Cove job with the Book of Tiki in existence - just like the Palm Springs Tropics was saved from being turned in the Spanish Revival CALIENTE Tropics (except in name)

As mentioned by some, christiki's question cannot be answered in a simple yes or no: While corporate America still did not "get" or care for Tiki, destroying original places like the Hanalei Hotel's "Islands", and the Chicago and Beverly Hills Trader Vic's, the revival has flourished in a more grassroots way: Various old and new Tiki Festivals are successful, and the Tiki carving, Tiki art and the home bar building and cocktail scenes have exploded in such a way that Tiki will always have its place in pop culture, I believe.

But let's face it, it will never be as widespread as it was in the mid-century, the social and cultural context is not as present for the general public as it was then. No one here can guarantee the owner of a Tiki temple - old or new - the patronage to make it thrive. Other factors than pure love for Tiki style decide that.

But we CAN have and ARE having an impact on our immediate surroundings, and while some older Tikiphiles might loose interest, new ones grow into the movement, and see what a great game to play it is.

On 2011-04-23 14:51, telescopes wrote:Not the 50s/60s anymore... For someone interested in the golden age of tiki that seems a bit odd to point out.

And were our tiki-hucksters anything near shy about their love of sexuality? If I remember correctly, didn't Trader Vic just now start covering up it's maidens on its menus?

I am not, and never was, a Tiki REVISIONIST who dreams of some great 50s Atomic Family idyl that never was! I discovered and fell in love with Tiki because it was WEIRD and ANTI-chrome and plastic.

And the step from National Geographic female frontal nudity to full phallic exposure was a step that most Americans in the 1950s/ 60s were not prepared to take - except, as I pointed out, in the confines of their rumpus Rooms.

On 2011-04-23 15:02, bigbrotiki wrote:Oh boy, a broad discussion about the state of TIKI CULTURE - I LIKE!

Sven,

THAT'S It! Exactly what we need, an annual critique summing up the trends and growth/losses in Tiki Culture over the past year, and what directions it may take in the coming year. Like the State of the Union, a State of Tiki Culture address.

On 2011-04-23 11:14, bigtikidude wrote:time line seems kinda off to me.
the resurgence of tiki started in early 1990's
but most didn't know about it till much later.
I caught wind of it around 1996.
Jeff(btd)

As you said, for you personally, Jeff. But that is not really of consequence for a general time line.

Your post is a good example of the difference between something being part of subculture as opposed to POPULAR culture. While the bigger publishers did not get my Book of Tiki concept until TASCHEN came along in 2000, I refused to publish it with smaller Underground publishers who were interested, because it would have remained a subculture, not going anywhere much. Now Tiki has become a part (even if only a tiny part) of world-wide pop culture.

[i]On 2011-04-23 15:02, bigbrotiki wrote:
But let's face it, it will never be as widespread as it was in the mid-century, the social and cultural context is not as present for the general public as it was then. No one here can guarantee the owner of a Tiki temple - old or new - the patronage to make it thrive. Other factors than pure love for Tiki style decide that.

But we CAN have and ARE having an impact on our immediate surroundings, and while some older Tikiphiles might loose interest, new ones grow into the movement, and see what a great game to play it is.

There are new A-frames coming up in Waikiki, at Beach Walk, and elsewhere on Oahu were the Disney resort is coming up, but I didn't include them:

Tiki certainly is having a large impact, by being used by corporate america, Disney, for example, Target, another, as part of their marketing strategy. Indeed, I would be surpised if dorm rooms all across America have Tiki in it!

Tiki is more than white males in their 40s, as neither Target nor Big Lots would bother if that were the demography, although I obviously take exception to such.

Do you suppose or possibly believe it is fair to say that the Tommy Bahamoesque type restaurants and the island style restaurants that haunt much of our modern era are a direct descendent of Don the Beachcomber? And while many of us here are not particularly thrilled with the grandchild of DTB, the bloodline exists none the less. I see that bloodline as one of island style escapism, rum, and an atmosphere that says forget about your job, problems, and the life outside. Relax for a while and escape from your problems.

The biggest difference I see (no pun intended) is the lighting. Tiki is dark and mysterious. It is a cave where who knows what might lurk. Island style and Caribbean style restaurants and bars are brighter and have lively color combinations. The drinks are lighter and can be poured much faster. And ultimately, the grandchild is less educated and somewhat shallow. At one of this joints, you get in and you get out. The music is too loud and the seats aren't as comfortable.

As far as the sex factor - there isn't any. They are about as safe and PC as you can get.

The biggest difference I see (no pun intended) is the lighting. Tiki is dark and mysterious. It is a cave where who knows what might lurk. Island style and Caribbean style restaurants and bars are brighter and have lively color combinations.

Your point is exemplified by the ill-fated Las Vegas Trader Vic's, which was bright and air, and is now closed.

However, the restaurant was popular, as it generated revenue of $1.368 million in 2007, $5.961 million in 2008 and $2.033 million in 2009, records filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Nevada in Las Vegas show. However, the owners owed $14 million - one wonders if that debt ever was going to be satisfied.

However, the Bali Hai in San Diego, a Tiki mecca, was made more lighter in the 2010 remodel:

I also acknowledge the Bali Hai contradicts my theory, but I loved being there last year nonetheless!

On 2011-04-23 16:19, telescopes wrote:The biggest difference I see (no pun intended) is the lighting. Tiki is dark and mysterious. It is a cave where who knows what might lurk. Island style and Caribbean style restaurants and bars are brighter and have lively color combinations. The drinks are lighter and can be poured much faster. And ultimately, the grandchild is less educated and somewhat shallow. At one of this joints, you get in and you get out. The music is too loud and the seats aren't as comfortable.
As far as the sex factor - there isn't any. They are about as safe and PC as you can get.

I think that is a pretty good description of some of the nouveaux "Tiki" establishments out there, and yes, I don't care much for that. All of that island escapism is part and parcel of Tiki too, yes, but not its ESSENCE, it is boring without Tiki. Tiki's essence for me is a fascination with primitive art and a romantic notion of savage rituals and tabus that inspired the white man's imagination to recreate them in their own backyard - be it based on reality or not. This art and artifice is what I love.